IRL Leeds, one of The Studio’s in-person events. Photography by Michael Godsall)
Sixteen years on from starting my platform in a spare bedroom, we’re still here to support creatives. But now our private community is powering everything we do… the content, the conversations… everything. Here’s why.
September always feels like a big old reset. Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, that sense of possibility that comes with a clean slate. I’ve always loved it. And this year, as I was clearing my desk over the August bank holiday and setting goals for the winter months, I found myself reflecting on how much Creative Boom has evolved since 2009. And why now feels like a super new chapter.
Because here’s the truth: we’re all tired. Tired of the noise. Tired of cynicism. Tired of social feeds that reward outrage over connection. Tired of the damn news and everything happening in the world.
Yet beneath that fatigue is something hopeful: people are craving community again. They want spaces that feel safe, generous and inclusive. Places that inspire and encourage rather than judge or tear down.
That’s why I launched The Studio earlier this year. At first, it was simply a private space, free from algorithms and the noise of social media. But it’s become something much bigger: the entire engine behind Creative Boom. Where we once turned to social media for your ideas and insights, we now go directly to our online community. Honest conversations with real creatives are shaping our tips, our features, and even our fun social posts. And that’s exactly how it should be.
The shift we’re seeing
For a while, negativity thrived online. Hot takes. Takedowns. Tweets designed to stir (all thanks to the dreaded retweet button). But that awful moment is passing, thankfully. Cynicism is no longer clever; it’s exhausting.
I’ve seen this first-hand in private conversations with creatives. Many are tired of watching the loudest voices dominate. Some are even calling out bullies now (we all know who they are), choosing to show up themselves where before they might have stayed quiet. The fear of trolls isn’t holding people back as much as it once did.
The result? Those negative voices aren’t as loud anymore. They’re losing their unwarranted power.
What’s rising instead is a different kind of energy: belonging. People want to feel part of something. They want conversations that stretch them without tearing them down. They want encouragement, honesty and generosity.
That’s where The Studio comes in. Because if there’s one thing we’re determined to offer, it’s a space that feels supportive and fulfils that growing need.
Not cynical. Not saccharine. Something better.
This isn’t about creating cookie-cutter, vomit-inducing content that pretends everything is fine. That doesn’t serve anyone.
What we’re building instead – across Creative Boom and The Studio – is room for honest, thoughtful, generous conversation. A place where creatives can share openly, support one another, and know they’ll be met with kindness, not cruelty. Something tangible and worthwhile.
Keeping perspective
Of course, negativity hasn’t vanished entirely. Some voices will keep leaning into conflict, and when they do, we should remind ourselves: it’s rarely about us. More often than not, it’s about stress, fatigue, or fear.
Here’s the comforting truth: for every loud, angry comment, there’s a much larger silent majority who don’t enjoy cynicism either. They’re tired of it too.
Most people scrolling aren’t looking for conflict. They’re looking for meaningful connection. That’s why positivity isn’t naïve, it’s a superpower. It cuts through the noise and reminds people that the internet can still be a place of encouragement.
And those quiet ones… the ones who don’t always comment but bookmark, share, and nod along? They’re often the people most on your side. Bottom line: there are more of “us” than “them”. Even more encouraging, more creatives than ever are showing up and sharing vulnerability, but in a way that suggests a widespread “reclaiming of our power”. And I’m all for it.
What we stand for
If you’ve followed Creative Boom for a while, you’ll know: we’ve always taken a deliberate, supportive line. If you’re looking for high-brow theory or harsh critique, we’re probably not the place for you. And that’s okay.
What we are (and always will be) is a champion of creatives. Our mission isn’t to dissect or gatekeep. It’s to support, celebrate, and uplift. To be a warm and inclusive home where artists and designers feel seen.
The industry already has enough critical spaces. Creative Boom exists to be the opposite: a reminder that you’re welcome here.
The Studio: powering what comes next
When I launched The Studio in early February, it was designed as a private space away from algorithms and the noise of social media—a part of the web where creatives could connect on their own terms.
Now, it’s become something more: the heartbeat behind Creative Boom.
The tips, insights, and fun posts you see from us increasingly flow straight from conversations happening inside The Studio. Authentic voices. Real experiences. Perspectives that reflect how we’re all feeling. It means more opportunities for you to be seen and heard – not just within the community, but across the wider creative industry.
Sixteen years on, Creative Boom is still here to support you. The difference is, we’re no longer building it alone. With The Studio as our engine, Creative Boom runs on the power of its community more than ever – and that feels like the most exciting step yet.
Here’s where you come in. If you want to help drive our content, share your voice, and even be featured to boost your profile, join us in The Studio. It’s completely free, and full of a warm, supportive bunch who understand the need for an inclusive, welcoming space online. And who knows… your thoughts and experiences might just spark the next big thing.
